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The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana provides scholarships to students from Class 6 to 9 who excel academically Read More... and pursue stamp collecting (philately) as a hobby. Read less

Details

Is your child fascinated by stamps? Do they love collecting them and learning about history through them? The Indian government has a special scheme just for them!

What Is The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana?

The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, which stands for Scholarship For Promotion Of Aptitude & Research In Stamps As A Hobby, is a brilliant initiative by the Department of Posts. Its main aim is to encourage young minds to take up philately, or stamp collecting, as a serious hobby. It’s designed to make learning fun, supplement school studies, and offer a healthy way for kids to relax.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scholarship is for students currently studying in Classes 6 to 9 across recognized schools in India. If your child is a good student and has a keen interest in collecting stamps, this scheme could be a great opportunity for them.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's fast-paced world, hobbies that encourage learning and focus are invaluable. The SPARSH Yojana believes that collecting stamps is more than just a hobby; it's a gateway to understanding history, geography, and culture. By promoting philately at a young age, the scheme aims to nurture critical thinking, research skills, and a lifelong passion for learning in a unique and engaging way.

Objective

The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana provides scholarships to students from Class 6 to 9 who excel academically and pursue stamp collecting (philately) as a hobby.

Benefits

For Tourism Service ProvidersFinancial support for study tours, and participation in travel shows/exhibitions/road shows in overseas markets (organized by the Ministry of Tourism) will be provided up to a maximum of ₹3,50,000/- per case/tour.Sr. No.ParticularsExtent of Support1Economy class airfare for travel between India to another country and from there to a group of countries by air/rail.90%2Cost of built-up/furnished stall, electricity and water charges, participation fee, etc., at travel fair/exhibitions held overseas.90%3Lodging expenses on overseas tourMax. 5 nights with an upper ceiling of room rate at ₹10,000/- per night.For Tourism Departments of State Governments / UT AdministrationsFinancial support for participation in overseas travel shows and exhibitions will be provided as follows:Sr. No.ParticularsExtent of Support1.Cost of built-up/furnished stall, electricity and water charges, participation fee, etc., at travel fair/exhibitions held overseas.

Overall ceiling of ₹3,50,000/-.

2. Since, the representatives of State Govts and UTs are provided TA/DA by the States/UTs, the provisions of financial assistance towards international air fare and lodging are not applicable to them.For Tourism Service Providers /Tourism Departments of State Governments / UT AdministrationsFinancial support for online promotion of tourism destinations and products in overseas markets, including digital content creation, will cover 50% of the total cost, up to ₹1,00,000/- per financial year, subject to actuals.

Sources and references

Who Can Apply?

  1. You must be a regular student in Class 6, 7, 8, or 9.
  2. You need to be studying in a school that is recognized in India.
  3. Your school should have a Philately Club, and you must be a member. If your school doesn't have one, you can still apply if you have your own Philately Deposit Account.
  4. You should have scored at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in your last final examination.

Special Note: Students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) get a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement.

How To Apply

The application process typically involves submitting your interest through your school. Here’s a general idea:

  1. Contact Your School: Find out from your school authorities if they are participating in the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana.
  2. Join the Club: If your school has a Philately Club, ensure you are a member. If not, inquire about starting one or if you can participate through a Philately Deposit Account.
  3. Submit Application: Fill out the application form provided by the school or the Postal Department.
  4. Selection Process: Students are selected based on their academic performance, their involvement in philately, and potentially through a quiz or project evaluation.

For the most accurate and detailed application steps, please refer to the official notification or visit the nearest Head Post Office or the Department of Posts website.

What Documents Do You Need?

When you apply, you'll likely need to provide the following documents:

  • Marksheets from your previous qualifying examination.
  • A Bonafide Certificate from your school confirming your enrollment.
  • Proof of your membership in the school's Philately Club or details of your Philately Deposit Account.
  • A valid Identity Proof.
  • Your Bank Account details (this might need to be a joint account with parents for scholarship disbursement).
  • A Caste Certificate, if you belong to SC/ST categories, to avail the relaxation benefits.

FAQ’s

How are the topics for the philately quiz decided, and who tells participants what to study?

The Postal Circles decide the topics for the philately quiz. They will share the list of these topics with participants when they announce the competition.

What's the role of philately mentors in helping schools start a stamp club?

Philately Mentors are assigned to schools to help set up the school's stamp club. They also guide young students on how to enjoy and pursue philately as a hobby.

How do the scholarships get paid to the winners, and what's the procedure?

Once the winners are chosen, each Postal Circle sends their list to IPPB/POSB. The scholarship is then paid to the awardees every three months.

Who judges the stamp collection projects that students submit?

A special committee at the circle level, made up of Postal Officials and well-known philatelists, evaluates the project work on philately.

How do philately mentors help students with their stamp projects?

Philately Mentors give expert advice and support to students working on their philately projects, helping them create impressive and informative collections.

Why should students open a joint bank account with their parents at India Post Payment Bank or Post Office Savings Bank?

Awardees are asked to open a joint account with their parents in India Post Payment Bank or Post Office Savings Bank. This is to ensure that the scholarship money is transferred to them safely and efficiently.

What are the learning benefits of collecting stamps?

Collecting stamps is a great hobby that teaches you about different times, socio-economic situations, and even political events from the past. It also helps improve your memory and connect you with other people who share the same interest.

What is the purpose of the mentors assigned to schools participating in the competition?

The purpose of assigning Philately Mentors is to support schools in setting up their stamp clubs. They also provide guidance to young enthusiasts on how to develop their philately hobby and projects.

How are the winners chosen for the philately quiz, and what are the selection criteria?

Each Postal Circle selects the winners based on how well they perform in the Philately Quiz and how good their project work is.

What is the role of postal officials and famous stamp collectors in judging the projects?

Postal Officials and renowned Philatelists play an important role. They assess the quality and relevance of the philately projects submitted by the students.

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